Firm enjoys sweet taste of success

Franco Gregorio of Ciccarelli Artisan Gelato received the Marcantonio and Pre Gel Italy Cup at the 2017 National Ice Cream Competition ceremony. Picture by Richard Doughty.

Published:16:25Tuesday 21 February 2017

A family business in Northumberland is celebrating after scooping a prestigious national award for its rum and raisin ice cream.

Ciccarelli Artisan Gelato won the Marcantonio and Pre Gel Italy Cup in the 2017 National Ice Cream Competition that was organised by the Ice Cream Alliance – the trade body for the country’s £1billion ice cream industry.

The firm, which has a parlour at South Beach in Blyth and a production facility at Cramlington, also received a silver medal for its tiramisu ice cream.

Franco Gregorio, who runs Ciccarelli with his brothers Domenico and Gino, said: “I’m over the moon. It’s fantastic for Blyth, Northumberland and the North East and for our staff – we employ local people and have a fantastic team.

“This award is a tribute to the passion we have for ice cream. We have 60 flavours available at Blyth and the parlour is extremely popular all year round.”

The company was founded in 1966 by their parents Donato and Elena Gregorio (nee Ciccarelli).

It also serves a range of quality cooked breakfasts, cakes and pastries from its artisan baker.

Franco added that while its gelato in South Beach is freshly made at the back of the parlour, using ingredients sourced from Italy and with fresh cream and whole milk from a local dairy, the production facility supplies businesses across the region – including renowned venues such as the Theatre Royal in Newcastle and The Alnwick Garden.